Scotland publishes first AI guidance for schools
Scotland's government has published its first official guidance on using artificial intelligence in schools, setting out expectations for teachers and pupils to deploy AI safely and ethically.
The guidance provides examples of appropriate classroom uses, outlines potential benefits, and flags issues schools should consider. It was developed jointly with the EIS teaching union, local government, and Education Scotland in response to growing AI adoption across society.
Teachers remain central
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the guidance makes clear that AI must enhance rather than replace teaching. "It is important that human relationships remain at the heart of education," she said. "Technology will never replace the role of the teacher."
For pupils, the guidance frames AI as a tool to support creativity, critical thinking, and personalised learning while protecting rights and privacy. For teachers, it aims to provide confidence and practical support to decide when AI adds value in their classroom.
EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said teachers must retain professional judgement. "AI is a tool for teachers; it must never be a replacement for them or their professional judgement," she said. "The human relationship between teacher and children and young people is at the heart of learning in our schools."
Flexibility for local authorities
The guidance is non-statutory, reflecting AI's rapidly changing nature. This approach allows local authorities flexibility to develop their own AI policies rather than imposing uniform rules.
For practical support implementing AI in your school environment, resources like AI Learning Path for Teachers cover classroom tools and lesson planning applications.
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